LONDON — The former Eurovision winner, Nemo, is advocating for transgender rights. They have utilized social media platforms to inform citizens in the United Kingdom about how to reach out to their local members of parliament in opposition to a recent Supreme Court decision. This ruling limits transgender women’s access to female-only spaces, including restrooms, hospital wards, and sports teams.
The Swiss artist marks a milestone as Eurovision’s first non-binary winner, an event famous for embracing diversity and equality. Nemo expressed a personal obligation to engage in this advocacy effort.
“A big thing for me is talking about my queer experience through my music, but there’s also the importance of putting it into context and standing up for what I believe in. It’s crucial to voice one’s thoughts and encourage others to do the same,” they said during an interview conducted last Friday.
Recently, Britain’s top court reached a decision describing a woman, for the purpose of anti-discrimination laws, as someone assigned female at birth. This was seen by many as detrimental to transgender rights, although the court was clear that protection against discrimination remains for transgender individuals. Various trans advocacy groups have criticized the ruling as a threat to their rights.
Nemo took to social media to label the judgment as an “attack on trans+ rights” that would affect the broader community. “It’s, like, a really tough experience, emotionally, as a trans person,” Nemo shared. “When there is so much opposition and you simply wish to live authentically without fear or secrecy, and that is being denied, it leaves one questioning what can be done.”
Despite acknowledging the challenging times, Nemo contended that this doesn’t signify a regression in trans rights, adding that adversity may appear before improvement occurs. “I hold onto so much hope that we are, overall, moving forward,” they stated. “I believe there is a growing readiness within people for empathy and better mutual understanding.”
Currently, Nemo is in rehearsal for their performance at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The event will be hosted in Switzerland following their victory in 2024 with the song “The Code.” The Grand Final is scheduled for May 17 at St. Jakobshalle in Basel.